10 Indipop Artists From The 90s That Make Us Nostalgic For A Simpler Time

When cassettes and CDs were the norm, the world of music was inarguably superior. I'm not a cynic for saying that. Ask anyone who grew up with them and they will corroborate. This phenomenon was at its peak in the 1990s, as the last decade of the century opened up to a slew of fresh artists who took the Indian pop music scene by storm. Indipop, as the genre was called, came to define a brand of music exclusive to the subcontinent, and contributed to extensively by neighbouring Pakistan. Bands, solo artists, one-time wonders were creating youth anthems that oozed emotion in the way only music with some soul can.

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As the new millennium progressed, the originality of Indipop, unfortunately, buckled under the mass commercialisation of film music. Independent pop bands gave way to trashy remixes, and their stronghold over the music industry has only quadrupled. Which is why, perhaps, 90s kids find themselves returning to their beloved Indipop playlists - during car drives, heartbreaks, homesickness for the past. We're starved for a simpler time that so defined our childhoods. And we probably always will. So, here are ten pop artists from the 90s for when nostalgia comes knocking:

1. Alisha Chinai

It would be sacrilege not to crown the list with the 'Queen of Indipop' herself. Alisha Chinai, best known for her 1995 single Made in India, which also threw shirtless, towel-clad hunk Milind Soman into the limelight, is considered one of the top-selling Indipop artists of the 90s. Other early pop hits in her kitty are De De, Lover Girl, and Aaja Mere Dil Mein. Many don't know, but Chinai is also the voice behind Kajra Re from the 2005 star-studded film Bunty Aur Babli. The public hasn't been graced with a song by the Queen in a long time, but we thankfully have our playlists to go to when her power-packed voice beckons.

2. Lucky Ali

One simply doesn't know how to put emotion into words when it comes to this timeless singer. Lucky Ali, hands-down the most enduring face of 90s Indipop, developed an immediate following in the 90s with his first album itself. O Sanam, one of the tracks on Sunoh, iconic for its video shot with a light-eyed Ali at the Egyptian pyramids, has today achieved cult status (as have most of his songs). Primarily known for pop songs like Anjaani Raahon Mein and Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai, Ali even ventured into film music later with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Yuva. Ali, now 62, has been treating fans with unplugged versions of his 90s classics this year, making the pandemic a little more bearable.

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3. Euphoria

The band's name is an apt description of the high they induce. Euphoria, led by Dr Palash Sen, was among the first original Indian boy bands to emerge on the pop-rock scene in the country. Known for their earthy tunes, fusion music, and a stage presence identified by whacky "wedding band" outfits, Euphoria's sustaining presence is marked by early hits like Dhoom, Kabhi Aana Tu Meri Gali, and the raging classic Maaeri, extending into later successes like Mehfuz. Despite all of them having aged into men now, Euphoria - with their youthful energy and sold-out live performances - has managed to positively retain their boy band image from the 90s. The Indipop scene may have eroded, but the band heartwarmingly continues to breathe life into it.

4. Strings

This two-member band, from across the border in Pakistan, achieved such thundering success in India that today, it becomes impossible to not include them as an integral part of the 90s Indipop scene. Strings, comprising of Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood, were all the rage in the subcontinent as they belted out smashing hits like Dhaani, Soniye, Duur, and Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar, which defined an entire generation of youth on both sides of the border. They even collaborated with actors and artists from Bollywood, delivering live concerts in India on many occasions. On proof of how art melts boundaries that divide us, one need only turn to the YouTube comments beneath any Strings music video.

5. Suneeta Rao

Though she is known to many only for her single Paree Hoon Main, Suneeta Rao isn't really a one-hit-wonder. The 'Paree of the Masses,' as she was fondly referred to then, went on to find other successes along her way after becoming a household name during the 90s. She was briefly associated with AR Rahman on a music project. Two other songs she sang - Dehka Dehka and Kesariya - were in the trademark folk fusion style that many of her contemporaries had also adopted. Of late, Rao has been heavily involved in social work with programs like Laadli that work towards girl child empowerment.

6. Silk Route

Though identified notably as playback singer Mohit Chauhan's "old band," Silk Route warrants way more definition than that. A mature sound and soulful lyrics that captured the precise element of innocent, old-school romance the 90s were famous for, was what made Silk Route stand apart, despite only a limited number of hits. Dooba Dooba and Sabse Peeche Hum Khade are two of many numbers that are resounding reminders of Silk Route's essence. Pining for love, appreciating your beloved, yearning for lost love: no one translated it better than this band. And no one probably ever can.

7. Colonial Cousins

Comprising of music giants Hariharan and Lesle Lewis, Colonial Cousins was a two-member band incepted in the 90s, and stayed at the top of their Indipop game throughout the decade. The duo released extraordinary music that combined Hariharan's Hindustani classical genius and Lewis' pop-rock compositions. In the Colonial Cousins' trademark fusion style, their singles Krishna, Sa Ni Dha Pa, and The Way We Do set them apart distinctly in the Indipop scene, as seasoned players walking shoulder to shoulder with their younger contemporaries.

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8. Falguni Pathak

The crown queen of Gujarati pop and dandiya music, Falguni Pathak's reach has extended far beyond regional tunes. Which is probably why she is recognised at times as the 'Indian Madonna.' In the 90s, Pathak - with her cheery screen presence, short-cropped hair, and comfortable clothes - was a national sensation. The videos that accompanied her songs like Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi and Maine Payal Hai Chhankai gave scores of young girls a peek into what a picture-perfect, meet-cute romance looks like. Even now, her songs remain the go-to for girls dreaming of love.

9. Junoon

Another iconic boy band from across the border in Pakistan that has stood the test of time, Junoon had a track record that hardly ever flailed. Regarded as one of South Asia's most successful pop bands, Junoon delivered supreme hits through the 90s, including, but not limited to, their most famous number Sayonee. Junoon's fan following has developed manifold through eight studio albums recognised for their soulful music that imbibes traditional poetry and folk tunes. So much so that it has led The New York Times to label the band "U2 of Pakistan."

10. Bombay Vikings

Bombay Vikings figures last on the list only so it can leave the reader with a taste of how remixes should sound. Though formed in Stockholm, the Vikings were an Indian-born band that gained prominence during the 90s primarily by remixing old Hindi classics for a young audience that was transitioning into the new millennium. After their Kya Soorat Hai rendition threw them into the national limelight, the band went on to release other numbers like Woh Chali and Zara Nazron Se Kehdo, which became instant hits. The one formula that perhaps made their remixes so appealing was that they modified old songs while retaining their original sanctity. So, if modern-day rappers are to mint money off remixes, then they'd rather do it the good ol' Bombay Vikings style.

Views expressed are the author's own.